Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God
Veliko Tarnovo
The Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God, also known as the Transfiguration Monastery, is a significant Eastern Orthodox monastery situated in the Dervent Gorge of the Yantra River near Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Founded in the 11th century as a cloister of the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, it gained autonomy in 1360 by decree of Tsar Ivan Alexander during the Second Bulgarian Empire. The monastery is historically tied to Tsar Ivan Alexander's wife Sarah-Theodora and their son Ivan Shishman, leading to its alternative names Sarah's or Shishman's monastery. After suffering destruction and plundering during the Ottoman conquest, it was reestablished in 1825. The current church, completed in 1834 and designed by the renowned Bulgarian National Revival architect Kolyu Ficheto, features a cross-shaped layout with three apses, a single dome, and a covered narthex. The interior and exterior walls are richly decorated with frescoes by the famous painter Zahari Zograf, including notable murals such as the Last Judgment, the Wheel of Life, and a self-portrait. The monastery complex also includes a seven-bell belfry, residential buildings, and a small Church of the Annunciation, constructed between 1858 and 1863. It played a vital cultural and revolutionary role during the Bulgarian National Revival period and served as a hospital during the Russo-Turkish War. Today, it stands as one of Bulgaria's largest monasteries and a masterpiece of Bulgarian National Revival architecture and art.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration is during spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and the surrounding gorge is especially scenic. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets or arrange guided tours in advance during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The monastery is accessible by road from Veliko Tarnovo, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven terrain. Photography inside the church may be restricted, so inquire locally. Respectful attire is required when visiting religious sites.
Interesting facts
- •The monastery is one of five stauropegic monasteries directly subordinated to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
- •Famous Bulgarian National Revival painter Zahari Zograf created a self-portrait within the monastery's frescoes.
- •The large mural of the Last Judgment depicts sinners in contemporary 19th-century Bulgarian clothing, including village healers and fortune-tellers.
- •The monastery was a revolutionary center during the Bulgarian National Revival and sheltered notable figures such as Vasil Levski and other revolutionaries.
- •The complex includes an underground chapel dedicated to Saint Andrew the First-called, a rare architectural feature for Bulgarian monasteries.
History
The monastery was originally founded in the 11th century as a dependency of the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos.
In 1360, it became autonomous by order of Tsar Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria, during the height of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
The monastery was repeatedly plundered and destroyed following the Ottoman conquest in the late 14th century.
It was completely rebuilt starting in 1825 under Father Zoticus with donations and a firman from the Ottoman sultan permitting new construction.
The main church was completed in 1834, designed by Kolyu Ficheto, and decorated by Zahari Zograf between 1849 and 1851.
Further expansions and buildings were added by Ficheto until 1863, giving the monastery its current form as a fortified complex.
Place Guide
Main Church of the Holy Transfiguration1834
The cross-shaped church with three apses and a single dome, completed in 1834 by Kolyu Ficheto, decorated inside and outside with frescoes by Zahari Zograf. Notable murals include the Last Judgment, the Wheel of Life, and the Birth of the Mother of God. The richly carved and gold-plated iconostasis is a masterpiece of Bulgarian National Revival woodwork.
Seven-Bell Belfry and Residential Buildings1858-1863
Constructed between 1858 and 1863 by Kolyu Ficheto, the belfry houses seven bells and is accompanied by residential quarters and the monastery's main entrance. The complex reflects the fortified monastery style typical of the Bulgarian National Revival.
Church of the Annunciation and Underground Chapel of Saint Andrew1863
Built atop the underground chapel of Saint Andrew the First-called, the small Church of the Annunciation was constructed in 1863. It contains icons painted by Zahari Zograf's nephew, Stanislav Dospevski, linking two generations of important Bulgarian painters.
Contact
Phone: 088 935 3427
